Patti Jo Amerein is a Pilates instructor and dressage riding coach in Walla Walla, WA. focused on improving balance, core strength, and awareness to improve the movement of her students.

Patti Jo Amerein

Basi certified pilates instructor

usdf silver & gold medalist

A passion for music and movement has always been the guiding force in my life’s journey. One of my earliest memories is sitting on the living room floor coloring with my sister as we dreamed about what we wanted to be when we grew up. She rattled off different occupations, changing her mind frequently, but for me there was no doubt: I was going to be a dancer. After years of Ballet, Tap and Jazz classes my dream finally came true. Shortly after graduating from high school I landed a spot on the Las Vegas MGM Hotel stage. I was to join the cast of Donn Arden’s Jubilee! It was the beginning of a long and successful career.

For the next 15 years I worked hard and built an impressive resume of numerous stage and television performances working with such greats as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Bing Crosby, Ray Charles, Dean Martin, and Jerry Lewis. I spent many years as the showgirl line captain in the world famous Les Folies Bergere. That job afforded me national and international travel. A highlight was performing in a once in a lifetime Command Performance for the Queen of England at the historic Palladium Theater in London. And somehow... I found time to bring three beautiful boys into the world!

The grueling physical demands of dancing eventually took their toll. It was while recovering from knee surgery that I discovered and fell in love with Pilates. The emphasis on proper alignment, breathing, coordination, balance, and developing a strong core was a natural fit for my dance background. My strength and flexibility came back quickly. I continued to practice Pilates as my main conditioning program. I spent some time working at a small studio while I studied for my teacher certification. In 2007 I earned my Comprehensive Teaching Credentials from Rael Isacowiz at Body Arts & Sciences International in Coast Mesa, California.

After hanging up my dancing shoes I needed an alternative creative physical outlet. A dancer friend who had Dressage horses suggested I try riding. I knew during my first lesson that I was hooked! I had always loved horses, and the rhythmic feel, coordination, and control that came with riding Dressage was right up my alley. I poured my heart into riding just as I had with dancing. Someone once said if you want a great employee hire a dancer: they’re dedicated and use to hard work! And so it was. I trained 5 – 6 days a week, rode any horse at every opportunity, went to every rated show I could, and after several years won silver and gold medals from the United States Dressage Federation. I soon began to build my dream barn. In 2006 I opened Cooper Ranch in Las Vegas where it still operates to this day as the city’s premiere Dressage facility.

In 2008, due to some life changes, I packed my belongings, said goodbye to friends and family and traded the bright lights of Vegas for farm life in the rural community of Waitsburg Washington where I currently divide my time between my husband, animals, giving riding lessons, teaching dance and Pilates.

In 2015 I established the Ten Pilates Studio as well as Ten On Seat riding clinics focused on helping equestrians improve their riding bio mechanics.

Whether you're a rider wanting to better your effectiveness in the saddle, a dancer wanting to improve the quality of your movement, or someone just wanting to develop strong, long lean muscles to support a vibrant healthy life, I am dedicated to helping you accomplish your goals!